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Top 6 Tips for Staying Healthy While Trying to Get Pregnant This Winter

It's cold and flu season, and we want you to stay healthy. Here are our top six tips for staying healthy if you trying to get pregnant this winter.

1. Get a Flu Shot

A flu shot is recommended for everyone but it is especially important (and considered safe) for soon-to-be-pregnant women. Even though it's safe, if you are still uncomfortable, you can ask for the preservative-free flu shot which most doctor's offices or flu shot clinics carry.

2. Don't Touch your Face

People touch their faces about 20 times an hour, most likely without even realizing it. Every time you do, you are helping germs get into your body via your nose, mouth or even eyes.

3. Wash Your Hands

Focus on keeping your hands clean. Lather soap for a good 20 seconds before rinsing, and carry a hand sanitizer in your purse for those times when soap and water are not available.

4. Don't Sneezing or Cough into Your Hands

While it may seem natural to cough or sneeze into your hand, that's a sure fire way to spread germs. The best way to cover a cough or sneeze is the crook of your elbow. Encourage others to do the same.

5. Practice Good Self Care

Go to bed a little earlier, don't skip breakfast and don't replace water with coffee. If you do get sick, stay home. If you don't stand up for your immune system, who will?

6. Reduce Stress

"Just relax" is the one thing we all know not to say to someone trying to conceive (or even newly pregnant). But do try to reduce your stress even a little bit. Stress compromises your immune system, and if you can find a way to decrease your stress then you are a little less likely to get sick.

If you do get sick, keep in mind that you may ovulate later than usual. And while you may not be up for the task, it technically is safe to try to conceive.